Introduction to Medical Microbiology
Course
Medical
Microbiology
Rationale
The medical laboratory is important in identifying microorganisms that affect
health and wellness.
Unit I
Introduction to
Microbiology
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to:
 Evaluate information about careers in microbiology
 Correlate the relationship of the medical laboratory and microbiology
to the field of health care
Essential
Question
What is Medical
Microbiology?
TEKS
130.207(c)
2A, 3D
Prior Student
Learning
n/a
Engage
Student discussion topic:
How might life on earth be different if Bacteria were not present?
Key Points
I.
Microbiology
A. What is it?
B. Who studies it?
C. Why do we study it?
Estimated time
1-2 hours
D. Where do we study it?
E. What knowledge will a student gain taking this course?
II.
What is it?
A. Medical Microbiology is the study of microorganisms affecting
health and wellness
1. Bacteria
2. Fungus
3. Parasites
4. Viruses
5. Most can only be seen with the microscope!
III.
Who studies it?
A. Studies are usually performed on client specimens and are used to
identify pathogenic organisms
B. Medical Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory
Technologists perform the studies
C. Education level: 2 year AAS or 4 year BS
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IV.
Why do we study it?
A. Pathogenic microorganisms cause disease in humans
B. Microbiologists determine the pathogen causing the disease and
identify a substance, usually an antibiotic, to inhibit the
microorganism
C. Microbiologists research microorganisms to discover new
antibiotics
V.
Safety
A. Laboratories post signs as constant reminders of safety and
infection control
B. Safety hoods are used to avoid splashing and inhaling possible
pathogens
C. Standard precautions
D. Refrigeration is a necessary component of the microbiology
laboratory for the accuracy of patient results; reagents, such as
those used in this strep screen, aid in the diagnosis of disease
VI.
A hospital laboratory picture is shown in the PowerPoint.
A. Blood cultures are incubated and monitored electronically for
bacterial and fungus growth
B. High tech instruments are used to aid in the identification of
microorganisms
C. Teamwork is essential in all types of laboratories, including the
school laboratory
VII.
What is growing on the agar plate? It is Proteus vulgaris. This
bacteria swarms on the plate, creating a “wave” of growth. It is found
sometimes in urine cultures.
VIII.
At the end of this course, the student will gain knowledge in the
following:
A. Normal flora of the human body
B. Microbiological disease states related to the human body
C. Media/Agar used to grow microorganisms
D. Biochemical reactions of microorganisms
E. Identification of microorganism
IX.
Key Terms
A. Algae: a diverse array of photosynthetic organisms. Both
planktonic and macroscopic forms exist in both freshwater and
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
saline habitats. Some exist terrestrially in soil or on the trunks of
trees where they live symbiotically with fungi in lichens.
B. Colonial: distinct individuals that live together and interact in
mutually advantageous ways
C. Fungi: Mainly many-celled organisms that have a nucleus. They
have cell walls that are reinforced with a special compound (a
complex carbohydrate) called chitin. Many fungi produce threadlike bodies (e.g. bread mold) or they may be large and fairly hard
(e.g. mushrooms)
D. Microbiology: the study of microorganisms or microbes; branch of
biology that studies very small organisms (both plants and
animals)
E. Microorganism or Microbe: very small organisms that require the
use of a microscope to see
F. Monera: usually single-cell organisms; unlike members of the four
other Kingdoms, members of the Kingdom Monera do not have a
nucleus. Examples of monerans are bacteria; some bacteria are
motile because of the possession of one of more flagellum (plural
flagella)
G. Multicellular: consists of many cells
H. Non-Pathogenic microorganism: a microorganism that usually
does not cause disease; are usually helpful to humans and their
environment
I. Pathogenic microorganism: a harmful microorganism that can
cause disease
J. Protista: contains many different kinds of organisms
1. most protistas single -celled
2. some simple, many-celled organisms
3. some animal-like (e.g. Amoeba and Paramecium)
4. some plant-like (e.g. algae or Euglena)
5. others "fungus-like" (e.g., slime molds)
6. all members have nuclei (singular nucleus)
7. Amoeba can use pseudopodia to move
8. Paramecium usually use cilia
9. slime molds "creep" using pseudoplasmodium
K. Protozoa: Subkingdom of Protista comprising unicellular and
colonial microorganisms of varied morphology; are ubiquitous
(found in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats) and some are
pathogenic to animals and humans (e.g., Plasmodium that causes
malaria)
L. Unicellular: consists of one cell only
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
M. Viruses: (NOT A TRUE KINGDOM) a group of minute infectious
agents that are unable to reproduce and multiply except inside the
living cell of a host. viruses are usually classified according to the
type of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) that they may have
Activity
I. Complete the Key Terms.
II. Research microbiology career information, including where the
programs are offered in the state, admission requirements, and the
occupational outlook. Present the findings to the class. See the
activity sheet.
III. Complete the Introduction to Medical Microbiology Worksheet.
Assessment
Successful completion of the Key Terms
Successful completion of First Day Quiz
Oral Presentation Rubric
Materials
Introduction to Medical Microbiology PowerPoint Presentation
Key Terms -- KEY
Introduction to Medical Microbiology Worksheet Key
http://texashotjobs.org/ -- H.O.T. Jobs
http://www.cdc.gov/ - Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, the student will write a report about why the study of
microbiology is important in health care.
For enrichment, the student will research and identify the functions
performed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
National and State Education Standards
National Healthcare Foundation Standards and Accountability Criteria:
Foundation Standard 4: Employability Skills
4.3 Career Decision-making
4.31 Discuss levels of education, credentialing requirements, and
employment trends in healthcare.
4.32 Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic
services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services, or
biotechnology research and development).
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
TEKS
130.207(c)(2)(A) know the definition of science and understand that it has
limitations, as specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section
130.207(c)(3)(D) evaluate the impact of scientific research on society and
the environment
Texas College and Career Readiness Standards
English and Language Arts
I. Writing
A. 2. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and
purpose, keeping careful records of outside sources.
II. Reading
A. 11. Identify, analyze, and evaluate similarities and differences in how
multiple texts present information, argue a position, or relate a theme.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Key Terms
Define the following terms.
1. Algae:
2. Colonial:
3. Fungi:
4. Microbiology:
5. Microorganism or Microbe:
6. Monera:
7. Multicellular:
8. Non-Pathogenic microorganism:
9. Pathogenic microorganism:
10. Protista:
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
11. Protozoa:
12. Unicellular:
13. Viruses:
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Key Terms - KEY
1. Algae: A diverse array of photosynthetic organisms. Both planktonic and macroscopic forms
exist in both freshwater and saline habitats. Some exist terrestrially in soil or on the trunks of
trees where they live symbiotically with fungi in lichens.
2. Colonial: Distinct individuals that live together and interact in mutually advantageous ways.
3. Fungi: Mainly many-celled organisms that have a nucleus. They have cell walls that are
reinforced with a special compound (a complex carbohydrate) called chitin. Many fungi
produce thread-like bodies (e.g., bread mold) or they may be large and fairly hard (e.g.,
mushrooms).
4. Microbiology: The study of microorganisms or microbes; branch of biology that studies very
small organisms (both plants and animals).
5. Microorganism or Microbe: Very small organisms that require the use of a microscope to
see.
6. Monera: Usually single-cell organisms. Unlike members of the four other Kingdoms,
members of the Kingdom Monera do not have a nucleus. Examples of monerans are
bacteria. Some bacteria are motile because of the possession of one of more flagellum
(plural flagella).
7. Multicellular: Consists of many cells.
8. Non-Pathogenic microorganism: A microorganism that usually does not cause disease.
They are usually helpful to humans and their environment.
9. Pathogenic microorganism: A harmful microorganism that can cause disease.
10. Protista: Contains many different kinds of organisms. Most protistas are single-celled,
some are simple, many-celled organisms. Some are animal-like (e.g., Amoeba and
Paramecium), some are plant-like (e.g. algae or Euglena) while others are "fungus-like"
(e.g., slime molds). All members of the Protista have nuclei (singular nucleus). Amoeba can
use pseudopodia to move, Paramecium usually use cilia and slime molds can "creep" using
pseudoplasmodium.
11. Protozoa: Subkingdom of Protista comprising unicellular and colonial microorganisms of
varied morphology. They are ubiquitous (found in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats) and
some are pathogenic to animals and humans (e.g., Plasmodium that causes malaria).
12. Unicellular: Consists of one cell only.
13. Viruses: (NOT A TRUE KINGDOM) These are a group of minute infectious agents that are
unable to reproduce and multiply except inside the living cell of a host. Viruses are usually
classified according to the type of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) that they may have.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Microbiology Career Investigation
Name of the Career –
What are the college degree(s) you must have to achieve this career goal?
How many years of college does it take to earn the degree(s)?
What college(s) can you attend locally to achieve or begin to achieve this career goal?
Name 3 activities of interest to you that someone in this career does on a regular basis.
Name 3 skills you need to be successful in this career.
Which skill do you believe is the most important?
Why?
Name 3 traits you have that would make this career a good fit for you.
What is the average annual pay for a career like this?
Name 3 careers that go hand-in-hand with the one you have selected
Is this career growing in the U.S.?
Based on what you discovered about this career, is it still one you think you would like to
pursue?
Why?
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Oral Presentation Rubric
Student: _______________________
Date: ___________________________
Scoring criteria
4.
3.
Excellent Good
2. Needs
1. Needs
Some
Much
N/A
Improvement Improvement
Clearly and effectively communicates the main
idea or theme.
Presenter is self-confident and clearly expresses
ideas.
Presenter answers questions with well thought out
responses.
Holds audience attention and maintains eye
contact.
Visual aids are clear and add to the presentation.
NOTE: N/A represents a response to the performance which is "not appropriate."
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
NAME:
CLASS:
DATE:
Please answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Define Medical Microbiology.
2. Name two types of professionals employed in a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
3. Why is it important to study Medical Microbiology?
4. Why is teamwork an essential component of any medical laboratory?
5. What do you expect to gain by taking this course in Medical Microbiology?
BONUS: What was growing on the agar plate shown in the PowerPoint presentation?
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
KEY
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
NAME:
CLASS:
DATE:
Please answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Define Medical Microbiology.
Medical Microbiology is the study of microorganisms affecting health and wellness.
2. Name two types of professionals employed in a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
Medical Laboratory Technicians & Medical Laboratory Technologists
3. Why is it important to study Medical Microbiology?
Pathogenic microorganisms cause disease in humans.
Microbiologists determine the pathogen causing the disease and identify a substance, usually
an antibiotic, to inhibit the microorganism.
Microbiologists research microorganisms to discover new antibiotics.
4. Why is teamwork an essential component of any medical laboratory?
Answers may vary.
5. What do you expect to gain by taking this course in Medical Microbiology?
Answers may vary.
BONUS: What was growing on the agar plate shown in the PowerPoint presentation?
Proteus vulgaris
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.